Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti interacts with NCC cadets in Srinagar. A Tribune photo

Tribune News Service

Srinagar June 5

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said people of Jammu and Kashmir would never allow themselves to get entrapped in the ominous situation of death and destruction perpetuated in most Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.“We have to ponder over the gory saga of death and destruction being perpetuated in most Muslim countries around the world, including the neighbouring Afghanistan and Pakistan where even schools and hospitals are not spared by the perpetrators of violence,” Mehbooba said while addressing the participants of the Special National Integration Camp-2016 organised by the NCC at the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre here last evening.Mehbooba said J&K had distinct religious and cultural ethos and the emancipated people of the state would never allow themselves to get entrapped in such an ominous situation. “And I am sure our well-informed and bright youth will lead us out of this gloomy scenario of death and destruction,” she said.Urging youth to become a part of the “movement for peace and change”, the CM said the young generation should become a potent voice to denounce violence which has only brought miseries. “Violence has no religion and it just consumes everybody. I urge J&K’s youth to come forward and help us in making peace a reality in the state and ending the miseries of the people.”Mehbooba said the main source of J&K’s confidence was its human resource. “It is heartening to note that even after going through the most difficult times, our young boys and girls are doing us proud in whatever field they choose,” she said.The Chief Minister said the youth remain both delicate and strategic assets. “Delicate because they are prone and susceptible to all sorts of influences, both good and bad. Strategic assets because they constitute our future, and equally they are also very influential and energetic,” she said.Around 400 NCC cadets and staff representing all states and union territories of the country are participating in the Special National Integration camp.The Chief Minister, on her arrival at the camp was received by Maj Gen SS Jakhar, Additional Director General, NCC.